4.6 lakh passports issued in 2015

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 31

A total of 4.6 lakh passports were issued by the Regional Passport Office, Chandigarh, in 2015. Regional Passport Officer (RPO) Rakesh Agrawal stated this here today.

He said the figure was not only 20 per cent higher than the 3.85 lakh passports issued in 2014, but also the highest in the past five years. The authorities had set a target of issuing 4.25 lakh passports this year. As per records, 3.85 lakh passports were issued in 2014, 3.3 lakh in 2013, 3 lakh in 2012, 2.7 lakh in 2011 and 2.4 lakh in 2010.

“For the year 2016, we have set a target of issuing 5.2 lakh passports,” said Agrawal while claiming that the working of the Regional Passport Office had been streamlined to the maximum extent possible.

“There is no scope for touts and agents in the passport office. The work is being carried out in a transparent and efficient manner. We encourage people to contact us directly,” he added.

The RPO further stated that the appointment cycle had been reduced to the next working day at all passport sewa kendras (PSKs) under the Regional Passport Office, Chandigarh. Applicants belonging to all 25 districts falling under the Regional Passport Office can take appointment in any of the three PSKs situated in Ambala, Chandigarh and Ludhiana as per their convenience.

“We regularly hold meetings with the police authorities to reduce the time required for police verification. In most of the cases concerning the reissue of passports, we waive the police verification or try to do it after the issuance of the passport. We are also organising regular workshops and training programmes to enhance the public relation skills of the staff,” Agrawal revealed.

Claiming of resolving grievances of people in the minimum possible time, he said, “Our aim is to provide a pleasant experience to people.”

“The applicants who are in urgent need of passports and have all necessary documents to obtain the passport but not being able to get an appointment online are entertained at the Regional Passport Office,” he said.